Total knee replacement is an operation used to treat advanced knee arthritis by replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. Surgery may be considered when knee pain and loss of function remain significant despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee replacement, replaces only the part of the knee affected by arthritis. It may be suitable for selected patients when arthritis is confined to an appropriate part of the knee.
Revision knee replacement surgery may be required when an existing knee replacement develops a problem such as loosening, wear, instability, infection or fracture. Revision surgery is individually planned according to the cause of the problem, existing implants and available bone and ligament support.
Complex primary knee replacement refers to a first knee replacement where deformity, bone loss, previous surgery, ligament problems or other factors make the procedure more complex than a standard knee replacement.
Total hip replacement surgery is commonly used to treat advanced hip arthritis causing significant pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities. The appropriate surgical approach and implants are selected according to the individual patient's anatomy and clinical circumstances.
Revision hip replacement surgery treats problems affecting an existing hip replacement, including loosening, wear, instability, infection or fracture. These procedures can be more complex than a first hip replacement and require individual assessment and planning.
A neck of femur fracture, commonly called a hip fracture, may be treated with internal fixation, partial hip replacement or total hip replacement depending on the fracture pattern, age, general health and previous level of mobility.
An ACL tear can cause instability, particularly during twisting, pivoting and sporting activities. ACL reconstruction may be considered for selected patients, with graft choice and treatment tailored to the injury, knee anatomy and activity requirements.
Recurrent kneecap dislocation or patella instability may occur because of ligament injury, bone shape, alignment or a combination of factors. Patella stabilisation surgery can involve ligament reconstruction, bony procedures or both depending on the underlying cause.
Meniscus tears can cause knee pain, swelling, catching or locking. Where surgery is appropriate, preservation and repair of suitable meniscal tissue is preferred where the tear pattern, location and tissue quality provide reasonable healing potential.
Repeated ankle sprains can sometimes lead to chronic ankle instability, where the ankle repeatedly gives way or feels unreliable. Ankle ligament repair or reconstruction may be considered when instability persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Ankle fractures range from stable injuries that may be treated without surgery to unstable or displaced fractures requiring surgical fixation. Assessment considers fracture alignment, ankle stability and involvement of the joint surface.
Dr Alexey Borshch is a Brisbane orthopaedic surgeon with a particular clinical focus on conditions affecting the knee, hip and lower limb.
He completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland before undertaking specialist orthopaedic training in Queensland and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Orthopaedic Surgery and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.
His practice includes total and partial knee replacement, complex and revision knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus and cartilage surgery, patella stabilisation, ankle surgery and orthopaedic trauma.
Treatment is tailored to the individual patient. Surgery is not always required, and assessment includes consideration of appropriate non-surgical options where relevant.
Dr Borshch is also involved in public hospital orthopaedics and medical education as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Queensland.
FRACS (Orth)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Orthopaedic Surgery
FAOrthA
Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association
MBBS
The University of Queensland
BSc (Hons)
University of Toronto, Canada
Director of Orthopaedics
Redcliffe Hospital
Visiting Medical Officer
Brisbane Private Hospital
Clinical Lecturer
The University of Queensland